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Tourism officials tell Galena council lodging revenue and digital reach rose in Q3
Summary
Granma Country Tourism reported to the Galena City Council that lodging revenues set a second consecutive record for 2025, digital engagement rose strongly (noted TikTok and Pinterest gains) and new marketing initiatives including a 'coffee and culture' trail are underway.
Representatives from "Grama Country Tourism" presented the FY Q3 (January–March) tourism report to the Galena City Council on May 26, describing increases in lodging revenue and strong digital engagement for the Galena area.
Terry Massa, who introduced the report, said the tourism office expanded advertising in the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Enjoy Illinois publication and saw digital growth across platforms. He reported an increase of roughly 13,000 TikTok followers year-over-year, Pinterest growth to “more than doubled” quarter-to-quarter to about 534,000, and an app increase in page views from about 146,000 to 203,000. He said combined lodging revenue for the county rose 4.3% for 2025, Galena increased 3.8% and the included East County rose 4.7%.
Massa also highlighted recent and planned marketing and product work: a new “coffee and culture” trail launched during the quarter to link local businesses, strategic advertising placements in markets such as Chicago and Springfield, and an upcoming annual awards dinner June 4 at Eagle Ridge to honor contributors.
A council member asked whether weekday visitation was improving; Massa said weekdays are getting stronger but acknowledged it remains a challenge, and noted strategies to extend stays beyond weekend visits. The presentation closed with thanks from council and an offer to provide printed materials to the city clerk.
The figures and quotes reported came from the tourism presentation materials handed out at the meeting. The presentation did not attach a formal budget amendment or require a council vote; the report served to inform the council about tourism trends and outreach activities.
